Paris, 12th June 2009: The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology for broadcast at higher frequencies was successfully trialled in Paris on Thursday. The DRM+ signal was broadcast on 64.5 MHz from Tour Pleyel, North of Paris, and was received at the office of Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA) which regulates the various electronic media in France. The CSA is located 10 km away from the transmitter but the signal strength was good with only 400 watts of radiating power.
This positions DRM+ as a perfect solution for stations not able to join multiplexes, even in places where the FM band is full.
DRM+ extends the DRM standard which is the open, universal, digital radio standard for broadcast bands, to frequencies up to 174MHz including the FM spectrum from 87.5MHz to 108 MHz. DRM+ offers a range of features and benefits for radio stations’ around the world and can lead to a cost-effective migration to digital. It was first successfully tested on the FM Band in Kaiserslautern, Germany last year, but this is the first time DRM+ has been used in Band 1.
DRM+ has distinct advantages over conventional FM, it needs lower transmission power for same coverage, opens up new audio possibilities like 5.1 surround sound, increases spectrum efficiency and offers electronic data services such as programme guide and supporting information.
David Blanc, SNRL (Syndicat National des Radios Libres) says: “Professor Dr Andreas Steil and his team (Mr. Schad and Mr. Köhler) from the University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern, was able to put together a complete DRM+ broadcast system on Band 1 and agreed to test it in Paris. SNRL, which gathers over 300 local stations in France, has been trying to find a technical solution for the many stations which cannot join multiplexes for various reasons, including coverage area, cost and desire to remain in control of their broadcast operations. “
“DRM+ seems to be an excellent choice, offering over 100 kbps of usable bit rate, enabling CD audio quality, slideshow and other data to be broadcast from a simple privately-owned transmitter. We now recommend integrating DRM+ in all digital radio receivers, from 60 to 108 Mhz.”, he added.
This test was performed by the help of University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern and Fraunhofer IIS, Erlangen.
Ruxandra Obreja, Chairman, DRM Consortium says: “Through this trial in France, we have yet another proof that the DRM standard can offer a most versatile, economical range of options for big and small operators for the benefit of audiences that want good quality radio. We hope that the trial in France will be positively noted and actioned by the French radio authorities. It is an excellent extra step that will preface the expected all- band extension of the DRM global standard.”(drm.org)
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